Client Inspiration #2
CLIENT INSPIRATION #2
Our clients are what make our LH Pilates community so AMAZING. We know that everyone has their own unique Pilates journey so we wanted to share with you a regular feature about our clients.
This month I asked Phil to share his story. Phil started Pilates 1-2-1 as he struggled with his back for a number of years and wanted to build his strength and flexibility so that he could start competing in triathlons, despite some major hurdles he did just that!
A word from Lauren
Phil’s Pilates journey is one I wanted to share because he has overcome major back pain and Pilates has been a major part of this recovery, it has meant he has been able to do what he loves. Pursuing our passions is so important for our mental well-being and often pain can be barrier if it is preventing us from doing what we love.
Over to Phil…
When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I tried Pilates a few times when I was in London to help with flexibility and core strength but I was so busy with work that my attendance was sporadic at best. When I moved to Shrewsbury in 2016 a friend suggested I book a session with Lauren. My back was quite weak from lots of driving back and forth to London and the 1-1 classes with Lauren really helped to keep me feeling strong.
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?
I moved from weekly 1-1 classes to the virtual group classes and supplement that with some specific exercises that Lauren advocates for my back and flexibility for my training.
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
Huge benefits. My back feels so much stronger and I can hold a better aero position on my bike for long periods of time. I could never have dreamt of that before seeing Lauren. I also find that the sessions help me to just centre myself and get out of my head which is a welcome relief. Unfortunately I had a car crash in 2018 and fractured my spine but the work Lauren had done with me really helped to build a stronger body which helped me recover far better from the injury and my continued Pilates has helped me be even stronger in the sport of Triathlon post-crash. I have completed many triathlons including my longest one so far at the weekend which lasted nearly 3 hours.
Do you have a favourite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I really like the book openings. I love the fact that with each one my range of movement increases and my whole body feels longer and less scrunched up.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates.
Just do it. I am constantly recommending people. A few years ago I started training for Triathlons and Lauren focused the sessions on increasing specific areas of my body that would help with my training. I noticed a huge difference in my performance in all of the three sports.
At Lauren Hilton Pilates we aim to give you the opportunity to improve your wellbeing through Pilates. We’ll guide you you to move with ease, without tension and stress so that you can meet your movement goals and create lasting change.
We offer group classes at our studio, online classes, Lauren Hilton Pilates At Home, pre and postnatal Pilates and private tuition.
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